Renegade

Recently I was doing some home based training of a client. The client expressed interest in Kettlebell work and stated they had previous Kettlebell training. The client was especially proud on how many swings they could manage within a certain time frame. While this is a surprisingly common goal among several Kettlebell training sites and forums, it is not among Renegade Kettlebell Training. Within this site we have covered some of the inherent problems of such an approach already. What we have not covered is the question why? When quizzed upon why exactly they do swings for high reps one of the most common answers is “lower back strength”. On paper this answer makes sense, but for those who subscribe to the monthly DMC E-zine have learned of the inherent problems associated with such approach and this in itself will be the subject of another posting.
The focus of this posting is what was discussed after our training session. The client knew that several years ago I operated a landscaping business and wanted to know if I still knew anyone that could do excavation work. Saying I did, I asked the client to show me what their plans were so I can get an idea on the scope of the project, and who would best fit their needs. The project was a 10’ by 15’ patio paver install. The client wanted someone to bring in a backhoe and excavate 7” of soil and then stone 4” of what was taken out as a base. The removed soil was then to be relocated in the yard 100’ or so from the site as fill. After the excavation was complete the client would install the pavers themselves. The time frame given was before the end of summer if possible. When I asked why they did not just dig it out themselves and wheelbarrow the dirt to the destination I received the “deep in the headlights look”, before finally the client expressed concerns towards hurting their back. See where I am going with this? What good is training if you don’t put it to use? What good was all that Kettlebell repetition work to strengthen your lower back if you can not shovel a patio pad and wheelbarrow some dirt? Your Kettlebell training should be used as a basis for allowing you do to other things in life. Renegade Kettlebell Specialists know this and design workouts with this in mind. Proper motor patterning and grafting see to it that when a project or event comes up you are prepared. It also reduces your chance of injury significantly.

For our next training sessions I will be introducing a new training medium to our workout: The Shovel.
We’ll start with some hurdle work, spider lunges, a round of GPP, transition into some kettlebell swings (4 sets of 6), and then work on that lower back strengthening with some cutting edge shoveling/pick axing in the neighborhood of 7” of soil, followed by some wheelbarrow walks, and then take it home with some DMC holds and of course Pink.
Will we finish the 10×15 excavation in one session? Of course not, but the client will certainly know what their workouts for the next week is going to entail.
Please contact me, J.Johnston aka “JJ”, Delaware’s Renegade Kettlebell Professional at jjcrewguy@aol.com

Kettlebells are becoming increasingly more popular as time goes on. Like Coach Davies said, it is a cannon ball with a handle. It’s a training medium like many others. It does afford some benefits like portability and a change of pace from a regular routine. Recently, I have been thinking of my own development and how I used kettlebells in my journey. One of my favorite use of kettlebells were/are in trunk movements. I need to work on these once more and thought I could share some exercises that I did with them that were of tremendous benefit in my own athletic development. The first exercise I’ll describe in my next article will be the see-saw press. Until next time.

Recalling a time that seems distant to many, yet some recall as if yesterday, a certain Code of Honour was amongst those in the sport. The game of football stood for much more than a game, but a bond in which brotherhood was formed, willing to lay yourself on the line in order to protect and fight for those around you. Sadly, the entrance of mass media and the over payment of star athletes has tarnished the once sacred game and transformed a lifeblood into nothing more than a business setting to earn a pay check.

In the wake of an NFL off-season filled with turmoil and questionable off the field conduct, to which a variety of issues, such as police charges for a plethora of acts, drugs use and other crimes, have plagued the game and overshadowed what once was a game built on the honour of each individual associated.
In an odd twist of fate, just recently a “Code of Honour” has been newly implemented Russia Football (Soccer) Union president Sergey Fursenko , to “which encapsulates an understanding of what sport truly is about, that being improving the quality of society, teaching great lessons of sportsmanship and overcoming adversity to both the youth and overall citizenry” The Code of Honour

Whilst the recent code will likely get no fanfare in many parts of the world, if only the upper echelon of NFL management would take a look at the policy, not only will a higher level of sport arise, but an everlasting legacy to which men can be looked as honourable and passionate will bestow. In order to change the game in a positive light, modification of morals and conduct stem not only from players, but from owners, coaches, media and fans as well. Each individual needs to do their part in order to improve the quality of sport and moral standards as well. Incorporated together, values of the past can resurface in order to improve ones quality of life.

Amongst a world of sport to which deplorable conduct is the norm and honour towards the sacred game is a mere afterthought, the Russian Football President has gone against the grain to not only create a higher quality of athlete, but far more importantly, the values of what “sport truly teaches”.

For those serious about controlling their destiny, purchase Mastery on the Gridiron, John Davies’ definitive work on how to train for success while producing men of honour.

Jordan Collins
RT professional (Kettlebell specialist)
DMC™ Auburn

I have waited quite some time to post this article because I wanted it to be thought out well and presented the way that I mean to present it.  I don’t mean any disrespect to anyone of any specific sport with this simple thought of mine, but it has been something that seems to prove itself through my personal endeavors time and time again.  It seems as though athletes without proper sporting knowledge, are “arm dominant” in their sport, and likewise is Kettlebell Training.

What I mean to say here is that I have trained with the almighty Iron with athletes from all sports and walks of life, and more recently have come to start training with Kettlebells the same…with many athletes from all sports.  The more I dive into the individuals past on “sport” and on training in general, the more I come to learn why it is either so difficult, or so simple to teach them things such as a Kettlebell Swing.  Someone who plays futbol for instance seems to have a simple time picking up on the motions because they are used to generating all of their power from their legs and becoming victorious because of such.  Someone who was taught improperly how to play tennis/baseball/basketball/etc, has a hard time understanding that your arms are simply there as a guide for the bell, and are not intended to bear the brunt of the weight during the lift.

This is truly an article about 2 problems rather than 1 really.  The first being that there are far too many athletes out there that are playing sports where their hips and legs should be working harder than their arms, yet they were taught to get their arms stronger so they can “swing for the fences”.  The second concern is that there are far too many kettlebell instructors that are accepting of their pupils lifting heavily with their arms (or even worse, with their back as a sole brace) and the student is the one who pays in the long run.

Both issues can be solved with one very simple and precise solution.  All young athletes that read this and would like a serious tutor, and all people who are looking for a real trainer that isn’t going to use you for your money without your personal health and safety in regard….please head to www.renegadetrainer.com and seek out a REAL professional.